Canada's Zedbed to make Vegas market debut

Michael J. Knell -- Furniture Today, December 3, 2012

SHAWWINIGAN, Quebec - Specialty mattress maker Zedbed will show for the first time at the Las Vegas Market this winter and also will move to a new showroom at the spring High Point Market.
     The company signed a lease agreement with International Market Centers, which owns the World Market Center in Las Vegas and a number of High Point showroom venues.
     In Las Vegas, Zedbed will be in WMC space C-1556 for the Jan. 28-Feb. 1 show. It will be located amongst other mattress manufacturers and the Specialty Sleep Assn.
     "The opening of this new showroom is one of several initiatives through which we continue our methodical growth in North America," David Gelinas, Zedbed vice president of marketing, said in a statement.
    "We are pursuing independent furniture retailers, top 100 retailers, small to medium-size bedding chains and independent sleep shops, in both countries, which are looking for products exclusivities and an alternative to compete with the big guys."
    Zedbed will show its entire product line, which includes mattresses, lifestyle adjustable beds, headboards, pillows and protectors.
    "We're also excited to be exhibiting our new state-of-theart GELPLUS technology, our unique ZedFlex support system and our refreshed brand identity," Gelinas said.
     Zedbed produces eco-friendly therapeutic memory foam mattresses and is one the few specialty manufacturers to pour its own foam in North America. Gelinas said the family-owned manufacturer is laying plans to become a national player in the Canadian mattress market as well as a recognized name in the United States.
      In High Point, the company is moving to space M-632 in the International Home Furnishings Center.
    "Especially during the last two years, the IHFC authorities (was) an appealing draw for buyers in the bedding category. Having all the exhibitors located in proximity to one another creates a very convenient shopping experience for bedding buyers and it was very important for us to secure a showroom in this premier bedding category destination," Gelinas said.
     "We needed a slightly smaller showroom space so that we can simplify our lineup to ensure the layout is the most productive shopping experience for buyers. The new showroom will be unique, bright and inviting," he added.